Food Frequency Questionnaire a Tool for Assessment of Parental Knowledge in Severe Early Childhood Caries (S-ECC) and Caries Free Preschool Children

Abstract

Introduction: ECC is associated with a number of risk factors, which are classified as biological and social risk factors. Nutritional variables, feeding habits and initial colonization of cariogenic micro-organisms are included in biological risk factors. Low parental education, socio-economic status and poor awareness about the dental disease are included in social risk factors. Aim:To assess the parental knowledge using Food frequency questionnaire with S-ECC and caries free group in preschool children. Methods: The study was done among 140 children aged 2-6 years. They were classified into 2 groups; Group 1: Children with the S-ECC & Group 2: Caries free group. Their mothers were given Gujarati version of a Food Frequency questionnaire which was modified and validated. Results: The co-relation of solid sugars, starchy sugars, semisolid sugars with caries were found to be highly significant in the S-ECC group. The statistical analysis was done with unpaired t-and chi-square test. Conclusion: Consumption of solid and liquid sugar increased caries in the S-ECC. The consumption of cheese, rice, plain cereal, chass, roti showed low cariogenic potency. The parents were advised and counseled regarding the prevention of S-ECC.